Latest news with #impersonation
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tradie loses $449,000 in an instant after missing key detail: '25 years of savings gone'
An Australian man is searching for answers after he unknowingly transferred 25 years' worth of his savings to a scammer. Mechanic Jimmy wanted to buy a home for his parents and was all set to make this dream come true. He even visited his Commonwealth Bank (CBA) branch in person to transfer the $449,000 to his conveyancer because he thought that would add a layer of protection against being scammed. However, he didn't realise the details he gave to the bank worker were fraudulent. "I wanted something that I could sort of call home in my mum's and dad's later years, in our later years, and still be close to the kids," he told A Current Affair. RELATED Commonwealth Bank's fresh alert for millions over mass text messages The top 10 highest salaries in Australia paying up to $700,000 Rare 5 cent coin worth 25,000 times its value Jimmy located this dream home in Lake Illawarra, south of Sydney, and it was set to cost him $1.1 million. When it came time to make the transfer for the deposit, a scammer had weaselled their way into the back-and-forth emails between the mechanic and Active Property Conveyancing. This is what's called an impersonation scam, and it cost Aussies $181 million last year alone. The consumer watchdog said scammers usually target businesses like conveyancers, real estate agencies, and car dealerships because of the big sums of money involved. Instead of the conveyancer sending over the correct bank details, the hacker hijacked the communications and sent over their bank thought everything was above board when he eventually went into the branch to send nearly half a million dollars. "[The bank teller] goes, 'Just tell me who you want me to pay'. And I said to her, 'I suppose you better do what the email says'. They've just got the paperwork. They've entered it all in. And we left, and that was it," he recalled. It took six days after the transfer for Jimmy to discover what had actually happened. "Our 25 years of life savings gone just like that," he added. CBA tried to retrieve the huge sum of money, however, it had been siphoned off in smaller chunks to other bank accounts two days after Jimmy's transfer. Mechanic blames bank, conveyancer - but they point out huge issue The mechanic is furious at what happened and is pointing the blame at Active Property Conveyancing, as well as CBA for letting him send off the money. "If your system was compromised and they've stolen my information and sent me an email, how's that my fault?" he said. Active Property Conveyancing said its systems were secure and the scam emails were sent from a Hotmail address and not one from their domain. The business also added there was a very specific disclaimer in the email with the fraudulent bank details that he "unfortunately" didn't follow. "Due to increased reports of emails between clients and conveyancers, we request that you DO NOT act on any communication asking you to transfer or deposit funds without first contacting us by telephone... to confirm the authenticity of the request," the disclaimer read. CBA said it takes these matters "very seriously" but added that Jimmy was asked seven scam-related questions before the transfer was authorised. One of those questions was whether he had confirmed the legitimacy of the details of the person he was sending the money to. Because he missed these key details, insurance won't cover him. Jimmy tried to take the issue to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, but AFCA ruled in favour of the in to access your portfolio
Fox News
2 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
New Facebook scam starts with messages from a friend
Ever get a Facebook message from an old friend, only to find out it wasn't really that friend? That's exactly how a recent Facebook impersonation scam almost cost someone $2,500. A scammer hijacked a woman's account and used it to promote a fake $150,000 grant to her friends. One man came dangerously close to falling for it. We'll break down how the scam unfolded and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself from this growing threat. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Jim, a retired tech industry veteran, received a message on Facebook from his longtime friend, Lynda. The message started casually, "How are you doing today, Jim?" But it quickly shifted into a suspicious sales pitch for a government-backed grant. Lynda claimed she had received $150,000 from an organization called "Global Empowerment" and encouraged Jim to apply through an agent named David Kelvin. Although Jim was intrigued, he remained cautious. As their conversation progressed, he sensed something was off. The agent, "David Kelvin," messaged Jim with vague promises of funding and quick delivery. He claimed there were no qualifications, and all Jim had to do was send his full name, address and $2,500 for "approval and shipping." The scammers even sent a photo of a FedEx box supposedly filled with cash. Jim questioned how someone could walk into a bank and deposit $150,000 in cash without issue. "You don't just do that," he noted. Despite his growing suspicion, Jim continued the conversation to better understand the scam tactics. Below is a cleaned-up excerpt from the real Facebook conversation Jim had with the impersonator. This transcript not only shows how these scams work, but also highlights how subtle the manipulation can be. Lynda: How are you doing today, Jim?Jim: I'm well. How are you and Ken?Lynda: Good! I hope you've heard my good news?Jim: No... Are you pregnant? What's the news?Lynda: It's about Global Empowerment. They're giving out $150,000 in support funds. I received mine already. Are you aware of the program?Jim: No, but I'd like to be. Can you send the info? Milena and I will be in the U.S. soon, and we're interested in Yes, you can. Here's the agent's email: [email]. And this is his Facebook profile: [link].Jim: Great, I'll message him. Should I use your name?Lynda: Yes. Use Facebook Messenger—it's faster. Just say a friend told you about the funds. Jim (to David): Hi David, my wife and I heard about your project through a friend. She said it's for caregivers. I'm interested. Looking forward to hearing from you. Later, Jim forwarded a message he received from "David" back to "Lynda."Jim: Is this taxable, by the way?Jim (forwarding message from David): "YOU ARE HIGHLY WELCOME TO THE GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT FUNDS APPLICATION BOARD PROGRAM. GIVE ME YOUR FULL NAME AND ADDRESS."Jim (to Lynda): I sent him my info. Still waiting to hear more. Jim then received another reply from "David."Jim (forwarding): "Congratulations! You qualify for the funds."Lynda: That's amazing! Tell him you're ready. I hope it's a joint What's next?Lynda: Just follow his Did you give him any banking info?Lynda: No, they didn't ask for that. Jim (forwarding): "PLEASE HOLD ON WHILE WE PROCESS YOUR INFORMATION."Lynda: I'm so happy for you, Jim!Jim: How long did it take for you to get the money?Lynda: Just a day after approval. It came in a box via How much did you pay?Lynda: $2,500 for approval and shipping. I deposited the money into my account right Are you sure this is legit?Lynda: 100% real. Trust me. I'll show you my bank statement. At this point, Jim began noticing red flags in the scammers' "Informations"? [That's not a real word. This raised a red flag.]Lynda: Don't worry. It's not a scam. I promise. Recognizing Facebook impersonation scam red flags is crucial for protecting yourself online. Jim noticed several warning signs that exposed the scam: When Jim delayed by saying he would finish the process after traveling, the scammers began deleting their messages. This suspicious behavior confirmed his doubts about the Facebook impersonation scam. This Facebook impersonation scam follows a pattern: 1. Hijack a trusted friend's account: Scammers gain access to a real Facebook account, often through phishing or weak passwords, so their messages appear to come from someone you know and trust. 2. Build rapport by mimicking a casual conversation: The scammer starts with a friendly, familiar greeting-like "How are you doing today?" to lower your guard and make the interaction feel genuine. 3. Pitch a fake financial windfall (in this case, a $150K grant): Once trust is established, the imposter introduces an enticing offer, such as a government-backed grant or prize, claiming they have already received the money themselves. 4. Request a large upfront fee for "processing" or "delivery": To move forward, the scammer asks for personal details and a significant payment — $2,500 in Jim's case — framed as a necessary step for approval or shipping. 5. Use fake photos, urgency and emotional pressure to convince the victim: They may send doctored images (like a FedEx box of cash) and apply pressure with urgent language or emotional appeals, insisting the opportunity is real and time-sensitive. While Jim recognized the scam in time, he worried that others, especially older adults, might fall for it. "The safe days on the internet are over," he said. "It's a jungle out there, and most folks are not equipped to play safety on that playground." Facebook impersonation scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but following a few essential steps can help you safeguard your identity and keep your personal information secure. Call or text them directly if something feels off, even if the message seems casual or harmless. Weak or reused passwords make it easier for scammers to break into your accounts, especially if your login credentials have been exposed in a past data breach. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 at Bad grammar, vague responses, pressure tactics and unrealistic promises are common in impersonation scams. If something feels off, it probably is. Protect your devices from malware and phishing links that steal login credentials. The best way to safeguard yourself is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Once your personal data is compromised, scammers can open accounts, reroute your mail or impersonate you online. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at No legitimate grant or prize requires upfront payment. That's always a scam. If you've been targeted or suspect a friend's account has been hacked, take action right away. Report fake or compromised Facebook accounts to Meta and also report fraud and scams to the FTC. Scammers often gather personal information from people search and data broker websites to make their Facebook impersonation attempts more convincing and to target victims more effectively. These sites can expose your name, address, phone number and even relatives, giving criminals the details they need to impersonate you or your friends online, as seen in the Facebook impersonation scam described in this article. By actively removing your information from these sites, you make it much harder for scammers to find and use your data against you. This process usually involves searching for your exposed profiles, submitting opt-out requests to each site and monitoring for republished information. While no service can guarantee complete removal, using a reputable data removal service or following step-by-step opt-out guides significantly lowers your risk of being targeted in scams like the one detailed above. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Even the most experienced internet users can be fooled when a scam comes from a trusted face. Today, Facebook impersonation scams are more sophisticated and emotional than ever before. Take a moment to verify. Never send money to strangers online. And, remember, your friend may not be who he said he is. Have you or someone you know been targeted by a Facebook impersonation scam? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
Convicted felon arrested in Hemet for impersonating police officer
A convicted felon impersonating a police officer was arrested in Hemet on Monday. Police said that the man, Marshal Goodnight, was riding a motorcycle when he was pulled over after he was seen activating emergency lights and committing several vehicle code violations, said a post on Facebook from the Hemet Police Department. Officers made contact with Goodnight, who they said was "wearing a uniform closely resembling a local law enforcement agency, along with a duty belt and what appeared to be a Glock-style pistol." Goodnight was taken into custody, and officers found that the weapon was actually carrying two fully-functional taser electronic control devices, an ASP baton and a container of OC spray, more commonly known as pepper spray. The uniform, outfitted with patches similar to those seen on Riverside County Sheriff's Department uniforms, displayed badges that read "traffic" and "traffic control." He also had a hat that said "traffic unit" and carried a notepad that said "sheriff" on the front. Officers also found handcuffs and other items that a law enforcement officer would typically carry. His motorcycle, which had flashing emergency lights, was also adorned with "traffic" and "public safety" stickers, and is black-and-white, similar to a traditional law enforcement vehicle. Police found that the suspect is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing a firearm or related weapons, and that he is not licensed to provide security services through California's Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, the Facebook post said. He was booked on several charges including unlawful taser use and possession, unlawful possession of a leaded cane or baton, unlawful use of tear gas and impersonating a police officer, police said. Locals have expressed some concern over the matter, including what they're supposed to do if the person who they're interacting with isn't actually an officer of the law. "He's wearing a belt with an actual firearm and a taser, so I mean, you would think this guy's legit," said David Luna. "He could have been robbing, he could have been pulling people over unlawfully, and God only knows." Police say that if someone is concerned that they're not speaking to an actual officer, they can call dispatch to verify whether or not they are. People are also advised to pull over in well-lit, highly populated and safe areas and to ask for identification. Anyone who knows more is asked to contact HPD Sergeant Chavez at (951) 765-2400 at extension 3725.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Man arrested for impersonating a federal agent and entering an Indy hospital with a knife
This story contains mention of domestic violence. Abuse can be reported by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Deputies with Marion County Sheriff's Office arrested a man on July 20 for impersonating a public servant after he allegedly flashed a "Homeland Security" badge to enter an Indianapolis hospital with a knife. Deputies arrested and preliminarily charged the man with impersonating a public servant, domestic battery in the presence of a minor, domestic battery and intimidation, after investigating a potential domestic violence case at a local hospital, according to court documents. IndyStar is not naming the man because they were not formally charged at the time of publication. A sheriff's officer was called in for assistance after a woman informed hospital staff that she feared for her life and the safety of her 4-year-old son due to the violent behavior and domestic abuse history of her son's father, according to court records. The man had accompanied her and allegedly struck the woman while en route to the hospital. Upon arrival, the man flashed a "Homeland Security" badge to the hospital security, who allowed him to walk through the hospital's metal detectors with a knife, according to court documents. The woman informed the officer the law enforcement badge he used to bypass hospital security was fake. After learning of this information, an officer escorted the woman and her son to Riley Hospital for Children, before returning to the hospital to interview the man, who had been waiting in the emergency department. The officer asked the man for his badge and any official documentation that would confirm his affiliation with Homeland Security. The man complied, handing over his fake badge, his knife and his state-issued driver's license. He told the officer that he did not have agency credentials on him, according to court documents. The officer then questioned the authenticity of the badge, which led the man to admit that it was actually a movie prop and that he only flashed the badge to hospital security because he "wanted to show it off to my kid," according to court documents. The man denied striking the woman while en route to the hospital, but admitted that he had struck her in the past, according to court documents. The Marion County Sheriff officer then took the man in custody and arrested him. As of this morning, the man is still being held at the Marion County jail, but has not been officially charged by the Marion County Prosecutor's Office. Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@ follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @ This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Man arrested for impersonating a federal agent at Indy hospital
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Aussies warned over $11,000 fines as P-plater allegedly found driving fake Chinese police car
A young Sydney driver is facing a string of charges after he was allegedly caught impersonating a foreign police officer in the city's west, and subsequently found to be in possession of multiple firearms. NSW Police Highway Patrol were conducting routine inspections on Everton Road in Strathfield on Friday, when they noticed a black sedan allegedly bearing Chinese police insignia — or at least, an attempt at it. Images show the word "POILCE" emblazoned across the bonnet, alongside a set of Chinese characters, raising eyebrows, as well as a few spelling concerns. The 20-year-old driver, who allegedly showed officers a disability pass, then also allegedly presented false documentation stating the vehicle was being used to transport consulate officials from China. While searching the sedan, police located a box containing 48 live rounds of ammunition in the boot, they allege. Officers said the man claimed he believed it was the best place to store the ammo. He was arrested and his home searched. "Officers seized the ammunition as well as other items in the vehicle believed to be utilised to impersonate police," Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said. "Officers were able to gain access to his Baulkham Hills residence where they located two gel blaster firearms, which were immediately seized. His registered firearms were also taken, now pending a review of his firearms licence." The driver was hit with a string of charges, including impersonating a public official, displaying unauthorised police insignia, not displaying P-plates, and firearms storage offences. The man was granted conditional bail and is set to appear at Burwood Local Court on Tuesday. What's the penalty for impersonating a police officer in NSW? In NSW, impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence under section 546D of the Crimes Act 1900. The maximum penalty is two years jail and/or a fine of 100 penalty units, which currently equates to up to $11,000 If the impersonation is aggravated, meaning if it also involves misuse of police powers like stopping a vehicle or making arrests, offenders can face up to seven years in prison. $349 fine for trying this stunt on NSW roads Tradie attacked after being pulled over by 'fake cop' Warning over fake police post shared on Facebook It's not the first time people in Australia have been caught impersonating police. Previously, two men pretending to be police officers forced their way inside a woman's home, and a Melbourne tradie was attacked after being pulled over by a "fake cop". Drivers were also earlier warned about a "fake" police car that pulled Melburnians over and demanded they "pay up". A driver claimed to have spotted the vehicle, which had a blue flashing light on the dashboard, similar to a police car, in Hampton Park, in the city's southeast, in 2023. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
